The Mt. Diablo school board is meeting in closed session tonight to discuss two separate personnel matters and continue discussions regarding a Public Records Act request submitted by Contra Costa Times columnist Dan Borenstein.

Here is the agenda for the meeting, which started at 7 p.m:

“1.0 Call to Order
1.1 President will call the meeting to order Info

1.2 Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call Info

2.0 Public Comment
2.1 The public may address the Board concerning items that are scheduled for discussion during closed session only. These presentations are limited to three minutes each, or a total of thirty minutes for all speakers or the three minute limit may be shortened. Speakers are not allowed to yield their time. Info

3.0 Adjourn to Closed Session

3.1 Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Complaint Info
The Board received information relative to a personnel matter.

3.2 Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Complaint Action
Two Certificated Employees: #12428 and #13977
Two employees: #22936 and #28941

3.3 Board Response to the Public Records Act Request of the Contra Costa Times Action
In Closed Session, the Board will receive advice and counsel regarding documents submitted as responsive to the Public Records Act request of Dan Borenstein of the Contra Costa Times.

4.0 Reconvene Open Session
4.1 Report out on Closed Session Info

5.0 Adjournment
5.1 Adjourn meeting Info”

There was no public comment before trustees went into closed session. Here is the audio from the first portion of the meeting: http://www.mdusd.org/boe/Documents/audio/2013/04252013part1.mp3

First, Julie Braun-Martin, assistant superintendent for personnel, met with trustees, presumably to discuss the information received about a personnel matter under Item 3.1.

Next, a man whom Braun-Martin addressed as “Tom,” met with trustees. He brought a rolling cart of documents with him.

Since then, trustees have been behind closed doors. Although Board President Cheryl Hansen initially estimated she would report out around 9 p.m., there is no sign of trustees yet (at 9:10 p.m.)

10:45 p.m. The board voted 3-2 to release the superintendent from his contract by May 1 without cause and 4-1 to release the general counsel from his contract by May 1 without cause. Trustees Linda Mayo and Lynne Dennler voted against releasing the superintendent and Dennler voted against releasing the general counsel.

The board unanimously approved two separation agreements, which trustees plan to sign during a special meeting at 8 p.m. Sunday. Also at that meeting, the board expects to appoint an interim superintendent and to begin its search for a new superintendent.

Do you agree with the board’s decision?

The Mt. Diablo school board will hold a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the board room at the district office, 1936 Carlotta Drive in Concord.

Here is the agenda:

1.0 Call to Order
1.1 President will call the meeting to order Info

2.0 Announcements

2.1 In closed session, the Board will consider the items listed on the closed session agenda. Info

3.0 Public Comment
3.1 The public may address the Board concerning items that are scheduled for discussion during closed session only. These presentations are limited to three minutes each, or a total of thirty minutes for all speakers or the three minute limit may be shortened. Speakers are not allowed to yield their time. Info

4.0 Adjourn to Closed Session at 6:00 p.m.
4.1 Negotiations – The Board may discuss negotiations or provide direction to its representatives regarding represented employees, pursuant to EERA (Govt. Code Section 3549.1) Agency negotiators: Julie Braun Martin and Deborah Cooksey. Agencies: MDEA, CSEA, Local One M&O, Local One CST, MDSPA, and Supervisory. Action
4.2 Existing Litigation – Brooktree Homeowners Associatoin v. MDUSD and Northgate Community Pride Foundation Action
4.3 Existing Litigation – Marilyn Jamerson v. MDUSD (EEOC Cases) Three Matters #555-2010-02583, #555-2011-00290, #555-2012-00158 Info
4.4 Anticipated Litigation Info
4.5 Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Complaint Action

5.0 Reconvene Open Session
5.1 Reconvene Open Session at 7:30 p.m. Info

6.0 Preliminary Business
6.1 Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call Info

7.0 Report Out Action Taken in Closed Session
7.1 Negotiations Info
7.2 Existing Litigation Info
7.3 Anticipated Litigation Info
7.4 Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Complaint Info

8.0 Student Representatives
8.1 Student representatives will report on activities at their schools. Info

9.0 Consent Agenda
Action
9.1 (Item #1) Items listed under Consent Agenda are considered routine and will be approved/adopted by a single motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items; however, any item may be removed from the consent agenda upon the request of any member of the Board and acted upon separately. Action
9.2 (Item #2) Minutes of the meetings of March 11 and March 25, 2013 Action
9.3 (Item #3) Recommended Action for Certificated Personnel Action
9.4 (Item #4) Request to increase and decrease Full Time Equivalent (FTE) for the 2013-2014 school year Action
9.5 (Item #5) Recommended Action for Classified Personnel Action
9.6 (Item #6) Classified Personnel: Request to Increase Positions Action
9.7 (Item #7) Fiscal Transactions for the Month of March 2013 Action
9.8 (Item #8) Award of Bid for RFP #1636 – Fire System Testing Action
9.9 (Item #9) Williams Quarterly Summary Report Action
9.10 (Item #10) Award Inspector of Record (Project Inspector) Contract Action
9.11 (Item #11) Agreement between Mt. Diablo Unified School District and Independent Contractor Dr. Mary Bacon Action
9.12 (Item #12) Award Inspector of Record (Project Inspector) Contract Action
9.13 (Item #13) Approval of Master Contract (PO#86799) with 1-on-1 Learning with Laptops, a State Approved Provider of Supplemental Educational Services (SES), to provide tutoring services to eligible students at the nine Title I schools, as follows: Bel Air, Cambridge, Fair Oaks, Meadow Homes, Rio Vista, Shore Acres, and Ygnacio Valley Elementary; and Oak Grove and Riverview View Middle Schools. Action
9.14 (Item #14) Approval of Master Contract (PO#86812) with Extreme Learning DBA Aavanza, a State Approved Provider of Supplemental Educational Services (SES), to the eligible students at the nine Title I schools, as follows: Bel Air, Cambridge, Fair Oaks, Meadow Homes, Rio Vista, Shore Acres, and Ygnacio Valley Elementary; and Oak Grove and Riverview Middle Schools. Action
9.15 (Item #15) Approval of Master Contract (PR#73278) with ! 1 A 1 ! TUTORIA !, a State Approved Provider of Supplemental Educational Services (SES), to provide tutoring services to the eligible students at the nine Title I schools, as follows: Bel Air, Cambridge, Fair Oaks, Meadow Homes, Rio Vista, Shore Acres and Ygnacio Valley Elementary; and Oak Grove and Riverview Middle Schools. Action
9.16 (Item #16) Authorization to submit a USDA Farm to School Planning Grant for Mt. Diablo Unified School District. Action
9.17 (Item #17) Authorization to submit a grant to Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit Program for the CARES After School Program Action
9.18 (Item #18) Authorization to submit a grant to the Mt. Diablo Health Care District (MDHCD) for the CARES After School Program. Action
9.19 (Item #19) Workforce Investment Act, Title II: Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, Section 231 and the English Literacy and Civics Education (EL Civics) supplemental funding Action
9.20 (Item #20) First 5 Contra Costa School-Readiness Grant Action
9.21 (Item #21) Increase Contract between Mt. Diablo School District (MSUSD) and Maxim Services, Non Public Agency (NPA) for the 2012-2013 school year Action
9.22 (Item #22) Resolution 12/13-41 Day of the Teacher Action
9.23 (Item #23) Asian Pacific Heritage Month Action

10.0 Consent Items Pulled for Discussion

11.0 Public Comment
11.1 The public may address the Board regarding any item within the jurisdiction of the Board of Education of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District that is not on this agenda. These presentation are limited to three minutes each, or a total of thirty minutes for all speakers, or the three minute limit may be shortened. If there are multiple speakers on any one subject, the public comment period may be moved to the end of the meeting. Speakers are not allowed to yield their time. Info

12.0 Communications

12.1 Alternative Education Foundation – Carol Fidler Info

13.0 Superintendent’s Report
13.1 College Park Basketball Team Info
13.2 Distinguished Schools, College Park High, Diablo View Middle, Foothill Middle Info

14.0 Business/Action Items

14.1 Public presentation of the District’s Initial Successor Agreement Proposal to California School Employees Association (CSEA) Action

14.2 Public presentation of the Initial Successor Agreement Proposal for Public Employees Union Local #1 Clerical, Secretarial and Technical Units (CST) and Mt. Diablo Unified School District’s Initial Successor Agreement Proposal to CST Action

14.3 Public presentation of the Initial Successor Agreement Proposal for Public Employees Union Local #1 Maintenance, Operations, and Facilities/Transportation/Landscape/Warehouse/Food and Nutrition Services/Technology and Information Services/Substitute Custodian and School Bus Driver Units (M&O) and Mt. Diablo Unified School District’s Initial Successor Agreement Proposal to M&O. Action

14.4 Boundary Modification for Bay Point Elementary Schools Info

14.5 Proposed Membership Reconstitution of Budget Advisory Committee Action

14.6 New Members on Budget Advisory Committee Action

14.7 National Association of College Admission Counselors (NACAC) Action

14.8 Approval of Non-Public School Adjustments Action

14.9 Creation of a New Job Description for Administrator of Equity and Disproportionality Info

14.10 Healthy Schools Act Update – Pesticide Spraying Info

14.11 College Park High School Attendance Boundaries Update Info

14.12 Meeting Extension Action

15.0 Future Agenda Items
15.1 Graduation Requirements Info
15.2 Board Goals 2013-2014 Info
15.3 Mt. Diablo High School Academy Info

16.0 Board Member Reports
16.1 Board reports Info

17.0 Closed Session
17.1 Items not completed during the first Closed Session will be carried over to this closed session. Action

18.0 Adjournment
18.1 Adjourn Meeting Info”

What is the most interesting thing to you on tonight’s agenda?

11:57 pm UPDATE: Here’s a recap of what happened:

(I arrived after the report out of closed session and the student rep comments)

The Mt. Diablo school board will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. tonight to discuss the strategic plan, before going into closed session to consider and act on the dismissal of two contract employees and to act on union negotiations. The public is invited to speak before the board acts on these items. The board is expected to report out its actions after the closed session.

Here is the agenda for the meeting, which will take place in the district office at 1936 Carlotta Drive in Concord:

“1.0 Call to Order
1.1 President will call the meeting to order Info

1.2 Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call Info

2.0 Public Comment
2.1 The public may address the Board regarding any item within the jurisdiction of the Board of Education of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. These presentations are limited to three minutes each, or a total of thirty minutes for all speakers, or the three minute limit may be shortened. Speakers are not allowed to yield their time. Info

3.0 Business/Action Items

3.1 Strategic Plan Action

4.0 Public Comment
4.1 The public may address the Board concerning items that are scheduled for discussion during closed session only. These presentations are limited to three minutes each, or a total of thirty minutes for all speakers or the three minute limit may be shortened. Speakers are not allowed to yield their time. Info

5.0 Adjourn to Closed Session

5.1 Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release Action

5.2 Negotiations Action

6.0 Reconvene Open Session

6.1 Report Out Action Taken in Closed Session Info

7.0 Adjournment
7.1 Adjourn meeting. Info”

Do you agree with the board’s decision to discuss the strategic plan before this closed session?

Ygnacio Valley High teacher Kelly Cooper sent me the following information in an email about the upcoming production of “Guys and Dolls” at the school. The show starts this weekend and continues next weekend.

“Would love to get the word out about the annual spring musical at Ygnacio Valley High School, ‘Guys and Dolls’! Show opens this Friday April 20th at 7:30, Saturday 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Friday April 26th 7:30 p.m., Saturday April 27th 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for students, ($8 and $5 for matinees).

Directed by Tracey Garber, Choreography by Kelly Cooper, Musical Direction by Geoff Carter.”

Coincidentally, I played flute and piccolo in the pit orchestra for this show at my high school when I was a freshman and I still have very fond memories of the classic Broadway musical. It’s high-energy, with lots of action, great music and an engaging plot.

“Luck be a lady” at YVHS!

Although there is a very strong emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (or STEM) in education today, many people realize that the arts are also important. This has resulted in a new acronym called STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math).

Here’s a recent U.S. Department of Education blog post about the importance of arts education: http://www.ed.gov/blog/2013/04/arts-education-and-advocacy-an-investment-in-every-childs-future/

Do you think arts are as important as core high school subjects?

The state’s annual release of graduation and dropout rates earlier this week showed that graduation rates improved in four Contra Costa County districts, but dropped in five.

On the other side of the spectrum, dropout rates improved in six districts, grew worse in two and remained the same in one.

On both measures, overall countywide results were stronger than those statewide, with 83.5 percent of students graduating in four years in Contra Costa County, compared to 78.5 percent throughout California. Of the nine county districts that include high schools, three had graduation rates that fell below the state average, while six exceeded it.

Statewide, a higher percentage of students graduated in 2012 than in 2011, while fewer dropped out, said Tom Torlakson, state Superintendent of Public Instruction, when he released the results Tuesday.

“While I am glad to announce that we are moving in the right direction,” he said, “the fact remains that we must keep moving to ensure that every California student graduates ready to succeed in the world they will find outside our classrooms.”

Here’s how Contra Costa County districts stacked up in 2011 and 2012. Please note that the two percentages don’t add up to 100 because they don’t account for students who have left California or are still in school.

Acalanes: 97.3 percent graduation rate in 2012, up from 96.7 in 2011; 1.3 percent dropout rate in 2012, same as 2011 rate.

Antioch: 74.5 percent graduation rate in 2012, up from 73.8 in 2011; 14.6 percent dropout rate in 2012, down from 18.0 percent in 2011.

John Swett: 87.7 percent graduation rate in 2012, up from 87.6 percent in 2011; 8.5 percent dropout rate in 2012, down from 8.8 percent in 2011.

Liberty: 85.4 percent graduation rate in 2012, down from 85.6 percent in 2011; 4.0 dropout rate in 2012, down from 5.2 in 2011.

Martinez: 85.0 percent graduation rate in 2012, down from 89.9 in 2011; 8.8 dropout rate in 2012, up from 4.2 in 2011.

Mt. Diablo: 81.1 percent graduation rate in 2012, down from 81.9 in 2011; 14.2 percent dropout rate in 2012, up from 11.7 in 2011.

Pittsburg: 70.1 percent graduation rate in 2012, up from 66.0 in 2011; 21.3 percent dropout rate in 2012, down from 25.9 percent in 2011.

San Ramon Valley: 97.0 graduation rate in 2012, down from 97.1 in 2011; 1.6 percent dropout rate in 2012, up from 1.5 in 2011.

West Contra Costa: 75.2 percent graduation rate in 2012, down from 77.0 percent in 2011; 18.6 percent dropout rate in 2012, up from 18.1 percent in 2011.

Contra Costa County: 83.5 percent graduation rate in 2012, up from 83.1 percent in 2011; 10.1 percent dropout rate in 2012, down from 10.6 percent in 2011.

State: 78.5 percent graduation rate in 2012, up from 77.1 percent in 2011; 13.2 percent dropout rate in 2012, down from 14.7 in 2011.

Alameda County districts in the Tri-Valley area surpassed the statewide results as well as those countywide. Here’s how they compared:

Dublin: 92.3 percent graduation rate in 2012, down from 92.7 percent in 2011; 4.1 percent dropout rate in 2012, up from 2.1 percent in 2011.

Livermore Valley: 90.8 percent graduation rate in 2012, down from 91.1 percent in 2011; 7.5 percent dropout rate in 2012, up from 7.0 percent in 2011.

Pleasanton: 95.7 graduation rate in 2012, up from 95.6 in 2011; 2.1 percent dropout rate in 2012, same as 2011 rate.

Alameda County: 79.4 percent graduation rate in 2012, up from 78.0 percent in 2011; 13.4 percent dropout rate in 2012, down from 15.1 percent in 2011.

Complete statewide results are available by visiting http://dq.cde.ca.gov/dataquest. Select “district” or “school” and “graduates.”

What do you think East Bay high schools could do to further improve graduation rates and prevent dropouts?

The Mt. Diablo school board heard four public comments before going into closed session to act on employee discipline, dismissal, release or complaint.

Here is a recap of the public comments:

1. Sherry Whitmarsh, YVHS parent and former MDUSD trustee:

“Board members, I’m here as an extremely concerned parent. Once again, this board spends time harassing employees instead of working on issues that help students succeed. It’s obvious that you don’t value parents’ input because of the lack of notice afforded parents about this meeting. As a matter of fact, the print version in the Times today was very different than the version that appeared on the Electronic School Board at this point in time.
It also appears that many of you are reading the nameless blogs that are out there. Well, I’m here to show you that there are parents who are concerned and are willing to state our names and talk to you in person. Dr. Lawrence worked with the CUES group, including Kish Rajan, to pass Measure C, which reduced the PG&E bill to our district, brought air conditioning to our schools, gave science labs to our high schools and provided various improvements. Very vocal against this was the taxpayer groups and the Contra Costa Times – two of the vocal groups against Dr. Lawrence. Dr. Lawrence also allows principals to run schools based upon the communities they serve. Parents appreciate this. He meets with feeder patterns, gives us honest feedback, and engages us in meaningful dialogue – unlike this board. He respects us and cares about our children.
Mr. Rolen is also being questioned by you. Think back to the money that you could have spent on outside fees. Mr. Rolen brought in Deb Cooksey and reduced millions of dollars for her ability in negotiations and investigations. As a matter of fact, the board violated the Brown Act by voting on an informational item at the March 11 meeting. Now, if you are being swayed by the article in the Times against Mr. Rolen and Ms. Padilla, I think that you should be aware of the facts. CTI lost three major clients in 2008 and laid off Ms. Padilla. She formed her own company, AIS, in 2009, and was provided the translation services to major law firms and an insurance company. AIS was hired by our special ed department in 2010. The contract was reviewed by the general counsel, but this contract was done by the special ed department. No concerns were voiced from Wing D at the time. In 2012, she and Mr. Rolen were married and he announced it at the first board meeting since the wedding took place.
Please note: your agenda tonight has one employee, not plural, it doesn’t say employees. It says employee. There is no employee number. You have no counsel here to assist you in legal issues for closed session for public employee dismissal complaint. I ask that you please stop this harassment of these two staff members and stop introducing legal risk into this district and focus on educating our students. Thank you.”

2. Ilana Samuels, YVHS parent:

“My name is Ilana Samuels. Hello, Mt. Diablo school board members. I am glad to have the opportunity to speak to you this evening. My understanding is that tonight you are going to consider tonight letting go of some key district staff, including our superintendent. How can you do that without hearing from as many of the stakeholders in this district as you possibly can? As elected officials, are you confident that this is what our community wants? I don’t believe it is. I find it ironic that for a board who claims to care so much about transparency, that you would make a decision like this with so little notice or information to the community. Today, I wrote you all an email. Within a few hours, I had the permission of 33 constituents to add their names….”

3. Mary Gray, CPHS and Sequoia MS and Sequoia Elem. parent: spoke in support of superintendent.

4. John Parker: MDHS area resident: Asked board to carefully consider decisions.

At about 10:30 p.m., Hansen reported that the board agreed to give direction to staff. After her announcement, she said the board would continue discussing the same two employees during another closed session Tuesday, April 16. She said she hopes to post that agenda Friday.

I will post the videos in about half an hour.

Do you agree with the public speaker comments?

Please note that the Mt. Diablo school board’s closed session meeting originally scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. tonight has been changed to 8:30 p.m. to accommodate the schedule of one trustee who couldn’t make it at the earlier time, according to Board President Cheryl Hansen.

In a voicemail message, Hansen said the meeting is an extension of the closed session held March 27 involving two contracted employees.

Here is the agenda for the meeting, which takes place at 1936 Carlotta Drive in Concord:

“1.0 Call to Order
1.1 President will call the meeting to order Info

1.2 Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call Info

2.0 Public Comment
2.1 The public may address the Board concerning items that are scheduled for discussion during closed session only. These presentations are limited to three minutes each, or a total of thirty minutes for all speakers or the three minute limit may be shortened. Speakers are not allowed to yield their time. Info

3.0 Adjourn to Closed Session

3.1 Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Complaint Action

4.0 Report of Closed Session
4.1 Report out on Closed Session Info

5.0 Adjournment

5.1 Adjourn meeting Info”

I received copies of two emails sent to the board today regarding this meeting, which is widely believed to be related to Superintendent Steven Lawrence and General Counsel Greg Rolen, whom three of the district’s five trustees have expressed an interest in replacing.

One email urged the board to retain Lawrence and Rolen, while the other asked the board to seek new administrative leadership.

The public is invited to comment before trustees go behind closed doors. The board expects to report out any action taken after the closed session.

I will attend and videotape the public portions of the meeting. I will also file an online story if it’s not too late, or blog and tweet the outcome.

At Monday’s board meeting, Trustee Brian Lawrence (who is no relation to the superintendent) publicly announced that he is interested in seeking new district administrative leaders. He said it was his idea to go into closed session after the March 25 meeting to discuss personnel issues. He also cautioned the board against making personal attacks.

Here’s what he said:

“Two weeks ago, I made a statement that I believed it was the job of this board to always be questioning the leadership of this district, that it was the most important job that a school board has. And, two of my colleagues have stated that they believe that it is in the best interests of the district to have a change in leadership. I’ve refrained from speaking about that publicly because, partly I felt that that should be taking place in closed session.
What I’ve heard over the last few weeks — there’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding that. So, I do want to just state very briefly I too have great concern that the district is not heading in the right direction and needs a change in the top leadership. And because of that, I requested prior to our last meeting that we — the board – enter into closed session for consideration of personnel matters at the end of the last meeting. And that is not something that I did lightly. It has very large repercussions.
And, at the same time, I wanted to take a moment because — what I’ve seen in the last several weeks is there have been a lot of personal attacks. And I truly believe every single person in this room is here because they’re doing what they believe is in the best interests of children. And we might have different views of how we achieve that…”

He stressed that employees are human beings with families.

“So, I hope that even as we figure out what is the best direction to move forward in the district, that we can do it in a constructive and positive manner. Thank you.”

Do you believe it is appropriate for trustees to state the reasons behind their decisions to replace or retain district leaders?

Last week, the student advocacy group Education Trust-West released its third annual report cards for the largest unified districts in the state, showing how well they educate low-income and minority students.

Here’s a look at the Contra Costa County districts included, showing whether or not they improved between 2011 and 2012. The organization assigned overall letter grades as well as numerical rankings for categories, based on standardized test scores, academic improvement over five years, the size of achievement gaps, and college readiness. Note: This was the first year the report included college readiness and high school graduation data.

ANTIOCH: Overall grade: D+ (up from D in 2011)
Performance among students of color: C (up from D in 2011)
Performance among low-income students: C (up from D in 2011)
Improvement among students of color: D (same, but rank of 128 up from 135)
Improvement among low-income students: D (same, but rank of 127 up from 129)
African-American and white achievement gap: D (up from F)
Latino and white achievement gap: B (up from C in 2011)
College eligibility among students of color: F (rank 135 of 142)
High school graduation among students of color: D (rank 129 of 143)

MT. DIABLO: Overall grade: D+ (up from D in 2011)
Performance among students of color: C (up from D in 2011)
Performance among low-income students: C (up from D in 2011)
Improvement among students of color: C (same, but rank of 44 up from 63)
Improvement among low-income students: B (up from C in 2011)
African-American and white achievement gap: F (same, rank up)
Latino and white achievement gap: F (same, rank dropped)
College eligibility among students of color: F (rank 128 of 142)
High school graduation among students of color: C (rank 120 of 143)

PITTSBURG: Overall grade: C- (up from D+ in 2010) (No data from 2011)
Performance among students of color: C (up from D in 2010)
Performance among low-income students: C (same, rank of 107 up from 110)
Improvement among students of color: C (same, but rank dropped to 60 from 48)
Improvement among low-income students: C (but rank dropped to 61 from 48)
African-American and white achievement gap: C (up from D)
Latino and white achievement gap: B (up from C in 2010)
College eligibility among students of color: F (rank 134 of 142)
High school graduation among students of color: D (rank 137 of 143)

SAN RAMON VALLEY: Overall grade: B- (up from C+ in 2011)
Performance among students of color: A (same, but rank of 3 up from 4 in 2011)
Performance among low-income students: A (same, but rank of 5 up from 18)
Improvement among students of color: D (same, but rank of 136 up from 141)
Improvement among low-income students: C (but rank of 118 up from 119 in 2011)
African-American and white achievement gap: C (up from D)
Latino and white achievement gap: B (same, rank dropped)
College eligibility among students of color: B (rank 6 of 142)
High school graduation among students of color: A (rank 1 of 143)

WEST CONTRA COSTA: Overall grade: D- (down from D in 2011)
Performance among students of color: D (same, rank dropped to 148 from 145)
Performance among low-income students: D (same, rank dropped to 147 from 145)
Improvement among students of color: D (dropped from C in 2011)
Improvement among low-income students: D (down from C in 2011)
African-American and white achievement gap: F (same, rank up)
Latino and white achievement gap: F (same, rank dropped)
College eligibility among students of color: D (rank 69 of 142)
High school graduation among students of color: D (rank 130 of 143)

The complete report cards are at http://reportcards.edtrustwest.org.

How could districts improve instruction for low-income and minority students?

The Mt. Diablo school board is currently holding a closed session meeting to consider possible discipline, dismissal or release of two contracted employees.

Here is the agenda for the meeting, which began at 2:30 p.m.:

“1.0 Call to Order
1.1 President will call the meeting to order Info

1.2 Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call Info

2.0 Public Comment
2.1 The public may address the Board concerning items that are scheduled for discussion during closed session only. These presentations are limited to three minutes each, or a total of thirty minutes for all speakers or the three minute limit may be shortened. Speakers are not allowed to yield their time. Info

3.0 Adjourn to Closed Session

3.1 Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Complaint Action

4.0 Reconvene Open Session

4.1 Report out on Closed Session Info

5.0 Adjournment
5.1 Adjourn meeting Info”

I shot video of the portion of the meeting before trustees went into closed session, but am unable to upload it right now because YouTube is blocked from the district’s WiFi. I will upload it later. Also, Joe Estrada is recording the proceedings.

Here is a recap of what has happened so far:

Pledge of allegiance and roll call, with all trustees present.

1. Trustee Linda Mayo asked how and when the trustees would sign the contracts approved Monday. She said she believed some trustees agreed with district resident Wendy Lack that contracts should be signed at public meetings. She suggested that the board sign the contracts when closed session is reported out.

Hansen said the board should probably discuss that. Mayo said she believed it should be done expediently, especially after criticism that contacts were not signed quickly after they were approved last year. She asked that the contacts be attached to the April 8 agenda for signature and Hansen agreed.

2. Rebecca Jensen: Spoke in support of the superintendent. “I see a good man accomplishing good things.” She said a question was raised at the last meeting: Is this a man we would want to hire for another year? She answered yes and said the decision to be made could have long-term implications for the district and the superintendent’s family.

3. Carmen Terrones: Referred to Mayo’s comments regarding signing the contracts. She said there should be no rush to sign the contracts and urged the board to take the time to make sure the right decision is being made. Said she is a union rep and she visits school sites often. “The morale in this dist is very sad. People are very frustrated.”

On the subject of adjournment: Mayo asked who would provide legal counsel to the board during the closed session. Hansen said Deb Cooksey would be on standby in her office. Mayo said she believed it was important to have legal advice and she did not support the use of advice from a third-party legal counsel that has not been approved by the board. Hansen said that would not be the case today.

4. District resident Kent Caldwell spoke in support of the superintendent. He said the superintendent has achieved many accomplishments. He said nothing the superintendent has done warrants early dismissal. He asked why anyone would want to work for a school board that makes negative comments about the superintendent publicly. “How many prospective candidates would be interested in serving in such a toxic environment?” He questioned whether it would be ethical to fire Dr. Lawrence. He said Dr. Lawrence has all the attributes that Hansen said in the CC Times that a superintendent should have. “If you fire Dr. Lawrence, are you building trust and morale within the district?” He said firing Dr. Lawrence would have consequences and that he would shift from a district advocate to an adversary and he would immediately withdraw from UMDAF. “An organization I helped create and served tirelessly for four years.” He said he and other Northgate HS parents would seriously question whether Northgate should remain in the school district if the board fires the superintendent. “As we know, there is another option out there for Northgate. I strongly urge you to not prematurely dismiss Dr. Lawrence as superintendent.”

Hansen announced that she expected to reconvene and report out at about 4:30 p.m.

During the closed session, Deb Cooksey walked back and forth between her office, Rolen’s office and the closed session.

At around 4:30 p.m., Hansen came out and said she expected the closed session might last until 5:30 p.m.

At around 5:25 p.m, Hansen came out and said she expected to report out in about 10 minutes. She asked Deb Cooksey to join trustees behind closed doors.

5:40 p.m. The superintendent’s wife is waiting to hear the report out, along with three union reps and me.

6:15 p.m. Still no sign of trustees.

6:30 p.m. Hansen announced the board took action on two employees, but she would not say what the action was. She told me afterwards that there were two separate votes and there will be another meeting April 2 and she will see if she can report anything else at that time.

7:51 p.m. Meeting is underway, with board voting on expulsions.

Here’s the agenda:

1.0 Call to Order
1.1 President will call the meeting to order Info

2.0 Announcements
2.1 In closed session, the Board will consider the items listed on the closed session agenda. Info

3.0 Public Comment

3.1 The public may address the Board concerning items that are scheduled for discussion during closed session only. These presentations are limited to three minutes each, or a total of thirty minutes for all speakers or the three minute limit may be shortened. Speakers are not allowed to yield their time. Info

4.0 Adjourn to Closed Session at 6:00 p.m.

4.1 Negotiations – The Board may discuss negotiations or provide direction to its representatives regarding represented employees, pursuant to EERA (Govt. Code Section 3549.1) Agency negotiators: Julie Braun Martin and Deborah Cooksey. Agencies: MDEA, CSEA, Local One M&O, Local One CST, MDSPA, and Supervisory. Action

4.2 Readmission Action

4.3 Expulsions Info

5.0 Reconvene Open Session
5.1 Reconvene Open Session at 7:30 p.m. Info

6.0 Preliminary Business
6.1 Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call Info

7.0 Report Out Action Taken in Closed Session
7.1 Negotiations Info
7.2 Readmission Info
8.0 Expulsion Recommendations
8.1 Expulsion Recommendation – Student #13-13 Action
8.2 Expulsion Recommendation – Student #14-13 Action
8.3 Expulsion Recommendation – Student #15-13 Action
8.4 Expulsion Recommendation – Student #16-13 Action
8.5 Expulsion Recommendation – Student #18-13 Action
8.6 Stipulated Expulsion Agreement & Waiver of Student Expulsion Hearing and Agreement to Complete Readmission Plan for Student #17-13 Action

9.0 Student Representatives
9.1 Student representatives will report on activities at their schools. Info

10.0 Consent Agenda
Action
10.1 (Item #1) Items listed under Consent Agenda are considered routine and will be approved/adopted by a single motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items; however, any item may be removed from the consent agenda upon the request of any member of the Board and acted upon separately. Action
10.2 (Item #2) Minutes of the meeting of February 25, 2013 Action
10.3 (Item #3) Recommended Action for Certificated Personnel Action
10.4 (Item #4) Request to decrease Full Time Equivalent (FTE) for the 2012-2013 school year Action
10.5 (Item #5) Student/Intern Teaching and Administrative Intern Agreement between Notre Dame De Namur University and Mt. Diablo Unified School District Action
10.6 (Item #6) Recommended Action for Classified Personnel Action
10.7 (Item #7) Classified Personnel: Request to Increase/Decrease Positions Action
10.8 (Item #8) Classified Personnel: Resolution of Reduction or Discontinuance of Classified Employees (Classified Layoff) Resolution No. 12/13-36 Action
10.9 (Item #9) Student Success Team Management System License Agreement between San Joaquin County Office of Education and Mt. Diablo Unified School District Action
10.10 (Item #10) Approve contract with Resource Development & Associates (RDA) for evaluation services for Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE) grant evaluation for the 2012-2013 school year Action
10.11 (Item #11) Procurement and Installation of New Synthetic Track Surface for the Outdoor Athletic facility at Clayton Valley Charter High School Action
10.12 (Item #12) Authorize submission for the Contra Costa County Family and Children’s Trust (FACT) grant to support the Crossroads Program Action
10.13 (Item #13) Contract Amendment: PHd Architects: Site Addaptive and Design Modifications Required to facilitate new classrooms and use of District Pre-Checked (PC) 1440 square foot design to meet Eagle Peak site needs. Action
10.14 (Item #14) Award of Lease-Leaseback Agreement to Taber Construction, Inc. for Chemistry Classrooms 2013 at Concord/Nueva Vista and College Park High School Action
10.15 (Item #15) Final Change Order – for LLB #1594 for New Chemistry Classroom Construction at Mt. Diablo and Clayton Valley Charter High School Action
10.16 (Item #16) Notice of Completion for LLB #1594 Action
10.17 (Item #17) Request Approval to Purchase (5) 2013 Ford F-150 Pickup Trucks Action
10.18 (Item #18) Request Approval to Purchase a 2013 Ford F350 One ton Flatbed truck Action
10.19 (Item #19) Adoption of the German Honors course of study Action

11.0 Consent Items Pulled for Discussion

12.0 Recognitions

12.1 The Board of Education will recognize Teacher of the Year Nominees Info

13.0 Public Comment
13.1 The public may address the Board regarding any item within the jurisdiction of the Board of Education of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District that is not on this agenda. These presentation are limited to three minutes each, or a total of thirty minutes for all speakers, or the three minute limit may be shortened. If there are multiple speakers on any one subject, the public comment period may be moved to the end of the meeting. Speakers are not allowed to yield their time. Info

14.0 Communications
14.1 District Organizations – At regular Board meetings, a single spokesperson of each recognized district organization may make a brief presentation following the Consent Agenda. Items are limited to those which are informational. Info

15.0 Superintendent’s Report
15.1 Northgate High School – United Nations Team Info
15.2 Concord High School Boys Soccer Team – Coach Alfonzo Munoz Info
15.3 Bond Refinance Update Info
15.4 School Safety Report Info
15.5 Bay Point Attendance Boundary Process Info

16.0 Business/Action Items

16.1 Amended Contract for Assistant Superintendent, Student Achievement and School Support, for Board Action Action

16.2 Amended Contract for Assistant Superintendent, Personnel, for Board Action Action

16.3 Amended Contract for Chief Financial Officer for Board Action Action

16.4 Amended Contract for General Counsel for Board Action Action

16.5 Amended Contract for Superintendent for Board Action Action

16.6 Appointment of Construction Manager II for Measure C Action

16.7 Update on Mandated Reporting Policy and Protocol (carried over from March 11, 2013 meeting) Info

16.8 Strategic Plan – Follow-Up and Next Steps Action

16.9 Technology Advisory Committee Info

16.10 Explore the potential multi-year lease of KVHS non-commercial FM Radio license: would not interfere with District’s right to provide KVHS programming via an internet-only-stream. Action

16.11 Public presentation of District’s Initial Proposal for a Succesors Agreement with Mt. Diablo Education Association (MDEA) 2013-2016 Info

16.12 Public presentation of the Successor Agreement Proposal for California State Employees Association (CSEA)to the District Info

16.13 Procurement and Installation of Surveillance License Upgrades with Three Year Maintenance Agreement for 950 Cameras Action

16.14 Update on the Board’s Response to the Public Records Act Request of the Contra Costa Times/Dan Borenstein Info

16.15 Graduation Requirements Update Info

16.16 Title I Policy MDUSD Proposed BP/AR 6171 Info

16.17 Meeting Extension Action
17.0 Future Agenda Items
17.1 Future Agenda Items Info

18.0 Board Member Reports
18.1 Board reports Info

19.0 Closed Session
19.1 Public Employees Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Complaint Action

20.0 Reconvene Open Session
20.1 Report Out Action Taken In Closed Session Info
21.0 Adjournment
21.1 Adjourn Meeting Info”

Live blog:

Board just recognized seven teachers who were in the running for district teacher of the year, including two district teachers of the year from Monte Gardens and El Monte elementary schools.

UPDATE: Here are the names of the seven teachers recognized:

District Teachers of the Year: Carissa Sugden, El Monte; and Shannon Prichard, Monte Gardens Elementary

Additional candidates:

Elisa Peters, Oak Grove Middle School
Janet Gowers, Ygnacio Valley High
Nicholas Sanchez, Shore Acres Elementary
Nina Pate, Woodside Elementary
Virginia Hewgley, Valhalla Elementary

8: 08 p.m. Student reps are now giving their reports.

8:17 p.m. Superintendent wants to move up recognitions for high school students.
The board recognized Northgate High’s United Nations Team and Concord High’s Boys Soccer Team.

8:25 p.m. John Parker just asked board to scrutinize lease-leaseback contracts.
Hansen pulled item 10.14 and Oaks pulled 10.9.

10.9 Student Success Team Management System License Agreement between San Joaquin County Office of Education and MDUSD:
Oaks: This is a $44,000 item that I’ve not heard about. I’d just like some information about who’s in charge of documenting this. I know it used to be done by hand. Is there a reason we’re now going to an online management system?
Lock: Yes, it used to be done by hand by principals. We found data very inconsistent. Last year, there was a committee of staff who explored this new product. Every SST is documented. This process is going to really assist us in significant disproportionality monitoring because we are required to monitor all referrals. This product was originally approved by the board last year. Sold to Accelify, then back to San Joaquin County Office of Education. This contract reduces our cost by $10,000. Three year cost. Typically there could be 20-25 per school. There could be two or three for one student over the years. Administrator can be monitoring to see if staff is staying on top of the actions. We did a trainer of trainer model back in August. Those trained went back and trained their staff.

8:32 p.m. License agreement unanimously approved.

Supt announced 11.2 was pulled by staff to be brought back later (I didn’t catch which original item that was.)

Extensive discussion of lease-leaseback with outside counsel talking about it.
Approved lease-leaseback contract in 4-1 vote (Hansen no)

Annie Nolen spoke about mandated reporting requirement and ID theft porgram.

Two district residents complained about their grandson being bullied.

Willie Mims spoke (I didn’t catch all his comments because I was talking to the grandparents in the lobby).

9:38 p.m. Back to rest of Superintendent’s Report:
15.3 Jon Isom is giving a bond refinance update with a PowerPoint.

9:40 pm. Superintendent is reporting on safety. Locks will be replaced along with several older doors, for a total cost of about $2.5 million. Current RFQ going out for locks. Hopefully will bring back firm responses in May and expect to bring doors back in near future.
Brian Lawrence asked about Ayers crossing guards.
Superintendent said he would have to ask principal, but the district is trying to re-evaluate the opening of the parking lot.
Brian Lawrence asked for an update from the superintendent and general counsel on the liability issues around crossing guards.

9:43 p.m. Superintendent is giving a Bay Point Master Plan update.
He said the growth projections don’t bear out a new high school, but Delta View is overflowing 100-200 students. So, a committee recommended having a public forum and asking for parent input. He said anybody can join the committee (I wonder how they’re promoting that?) The committee is meeting Wednesday.
Hansen: This surprised a couple board members because we didn’t know about the meeting. We didn’t know there were three scenarios. This has to be a team effort, where the board is informed and the board is participating.

Willie Mims: I was at Bay Point and we learned a lot and we heard a lot. One of my concerns is when you’re discussing boundaries, you have some new sections and some old sections. Concerned about possible Gerrymandering effect. I did not get a copy of the boundary proposal and would like to get one.
carries 3-2 (hansen and oaks against)

16.1 Amended contract for Assisant Superintendent, SASS (Rose Lock):

Rebecca Jensen comment:
Chastised the press. Said the FCMAT report about CVCHS costs seems to have been the match (to ignite this situation). The superintendent is very transparent. It feels as if this whole debacle is being used to do some housecleaning. Mistakes have been made, but I don’t believe them to be egregious enough to warrant this. If administrators can be so easily dismissed, what message does this send? Why would any qualified person ever want to work for our district?

Unanimously approved.

16.2 Amended contract for Assistant Superintendent, Personnel (Julie Braun-Martin):
Dennler moved approval and Oaks seconded. Then Dennler told Braun-Martin that one of her responsibilities is to interact with teachers who may lose their jobs. “This is a time of disappointment. I ask you to go above and beyond. Listen with patience and compassion. Four years ago, when I faced this position, I found you to be heartless and rude.”
Unanimously approved.

16.3 Amended contract for Chief Financial Officer (Bryan Richards):
Hansen said she is looking for a CFO who can answer questions about the budget. “I get concerns that requests for information are made and there’s not responsiveness. We have to have a CFO who can anwser questions quickly in language and terms that really answer those questions so people aren’t wondering what the heck’s going on. We need a CFO who really can be among his staff in fiscal. I think movement across the hall has not been helpful. I think people may not be managed as effectively as they could be. Payroll and fiscal is not a department where you want any unhappy campers.

Mayo: I want to express my concern that a ministerial action has been used to create firestorm of controversy. In them meantime, these employees have carried out their duties. Since December 2012, at least six attorneys have given input about these contracts. Despite this, the board still seeks other opinions. Attorneys have indicated that the action on April 23 is legally binding. I want to caution that comments made about employee performance may expose the district to a complaint. Although tonight’s action is legally unnecessary, I will support the extension as legally prepared by Roy Combs, attorney at law.

Hansen: Legal opinions are legal opinions and the only way something becomes legally binding is in a court of law with a judge making a decision. I am personally concerned that I was on this board last April 23 when these contracts came forward. I asked last April, ‘Where the heck are these contracts and why aren’t they posted for public viewing?’ I asked in the summer, ‘Where are these contracts?’ And I was ignored. The fact that we have spent money on outside attorneys is appalling to me, but I couldn’t get a second. Here we sit with a new board having to spend the first three months of their tenure having to fix the last mistakes. I am very concerned and offended. I am very unhappy that people on this board chose not to follow through. I’m also unhappy that the district administrators failed to follow through and advise the board. I resent the outside attorney fees.

Unanimously passed.

16.4 Amended contract for General Counsel (Greg Rolen):
Jack Weir: I expect the general counsel to be the district’s watchdog. The very manner in which these contracts were handled is all the evidence I need to know that there has been complete mismanagement in this regard. The public is very unhappy. Here we are trying to clean up a mess and we ought to be trying to make things better. We need new leadership at the top so we can move forward.